NY&Company bill pay lets you settle your water and sewer charges through the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which handles water service for New York City
The city operates two main payment channels: an online portal where you can pay with a bank account or card, and a mailing address for checks. Your bill arrives every three months, and you have about 30 days from the bill date to pay before late charges apply. The payment method you choose affects how quickly the city records your payment and when your next bill reflects the credit.
Most residents find the online option fastest because the city processes it within one to two business days. Mailed checks take longer — typically five to seven business days for the city to receive and post — so if you're close to a due date, online payment removes the risk of a late fee.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your NYC water bill online through the DEP website using a bank account or debit card, or by mailing a check to the address printed on your bill.
- Online payments post within one to two business days, while mailed checks take five to seven business days to reach the city and be recorded.
- Late charges begin about 30 days after your bill date, so paying before that window closes prevents additional fees.
- Your account number appears on the bill itself and is required to make a payment through either method.
- If your bill is unusually high or you believe there is an error, contact the DEP before paying to request a review.
Paying online through the DEP website
The Department of Environmental Protection maintains a bill payment portal at the main NYC DEP website. To pay there, you will need your account number (printed on your bill), your service address, and either a bank account or debit card. The portal accepts payments from checking or savings accounts via ACH transfer, as well as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
When you enter your account number and service address, the system pulls up your current balance and due date. You can then choose your payment method and amount. The city does not charge a fee for ACH bank transfers, but credit and debit card payments incur a processing fee of roughly 2 to 3 percent — the exact amount varies depending on the payment processor. If you use a card, the system shows you the fee before you confirm, so you know the total cost.
After you submit payment online, you will receive a confirmation number. The transaction typically posts to your account within one to two business days. Save your confirmation number in case you need to dispute the payment or track it later.
Paying by mail with a check
If you prefer to mail a check, write it to "NYC Department of Environmental Protection" and include your account number on the check itself. The mailing address appears on your bill — do not use a different address you find online, because the bill's address is the one that routes mail to the correct processing center.
Mail typically takes three to five business days to arrive, and the city needs another two to three business days to open, sort, and post the payment to your account. This means a check mailed five days before your due date may not post in time to avoid a late charge. If you are cutting it close, online payment is the safer choice.
Keep a copy of your check or a photo of the front and back for your records. If the city later claims it did not receive your payment, you will have proof of when you mailed it.
Understanding your bill and due dates
New York City water bills arrive quarterly — roughly every three months — and the due date is printed near the top of the bill. The bill shows your account number, service address, current charges, and any balance carried over from the previous quarter. Charges include water consumption (measured in hundred-cubic-foot units), sewer service, and sometimes a stormwater charge depending on your property type.
Late charges begin about 30 days after the bill date, not the due date. This means you have a small grace period, but it is not may provide and varies slightly by billing cycle. To be safe, pay by the due date shown on the bill. If you miss that date, the city will add a late fee to your next bill.
If your bill seems unusually high, contact the DEP's customer service line before paying. High bills often result from a leak on your property or a meter error. The DEP can review your usage history and may be able to adjust the bill if an error is found, but only if you report it before paying.
Setting up automatic payments
The DEP website allows you to set up recurring automatic payments from a bank account. This option is useful if you want to ensure you never miss a due date. You can choose to pay the full bill amount automatically each quarter, or you can set a fixed amount and pay the remainder manually.
To enroll, log into the DEP portal and look for the automatic payment or recurring payment option. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. The system will deduct the payment a few days before your due date, giving you time to cancel if needed.
Automatic payments are only available through bank account transfer, not credit card. This keeps the processing fee at zero and makes the option genuinely cost-free.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you are unable to pay your water bill by the due date, contact the DEP's customer service line as soon as possible. The city offers payment plans for customers facing hardship, though these are not automatic — you must request one. A payment plan typically allows you to spread your balance over several months, though the city may still add interest or late fees depending on your situation.
Do not ignore the bill. Unpaid water bills can eventually lead to a lien on your property or, in some cases, water shutoff. Contacting the DEP early gives you the best chance of working out a plan before the debt grows.
If you receive a shutoff notice, you have a short window to respond. The notice itself will explain your options and the deadline. Act immediately if you receive one.
Checking your payment status
After you pay online or mail a check, you can verify that the city received and posted your payment by logging back into the DEP portal. Enter your account number and service address, and the system will show your current balance and payment history. Online payments typically appear within one to two business days; mailed checks take longer.
If you paid online and your confirmation number shows the transaction was successful, but the payment does not appear in your account after three business days, contact the DEP with your confirmation number. If you mailed a check and it has been more than two weeks since you mailed it, also reach out to the DEP with a copy of your check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my water bill with a credit card?
Yes, the DEP portal accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, credit card payments include a processing fee of roughly 2 to 3 percent of the amount paid. Bank account transfers have no fee, so that method costs less if you have the option.
What happens if I pay late?
Late charges begin about 30 days after your bill date. The fee amount varies but is typically a percentage of the unpaid balance. The charge appears on your next bill. If you continue to miss payments, the city may place a lien on your property or issue a shutoff notice.
How do I know if my bill is correct?
Compare your current bill to previous ones. A sudden spike in charges often signals a leak on your property or a meter malfunction. Contact the DEP's customer service line and request a meter inspection or usage review before paying. The city can sometimes adjust bills if an error is found.
Can I change my payment method after I set up automatic payments?
Yes. Log into the DEP portal, find your automatic payment settings, and update or cancel the arrangement. Changes typically take effect on your next billing cycle. If you need to cancel immediately, call the DEP's customer service line to confirm the cancellation.
What if I move and need to transfer my account?
Contact the DEP at least two weeks before you move to request a final bill and account closure. The city will calculate charges through your move-out date. Your new address will receive the final bill, so make sure the DEP has your forwarding address on file.